Welcome to The "So Now WHat?" Podcast. I am so glad that you're here. I created this podcast because I remember what it felt like after I left fertility treatments without the child that I dreamed of. When I looked around for resources to help me navigate a life I hadn't planned for, I found so few that truly spoke to the experiences of an unexpected childless life.

So in 2021, I became a certified life coach and started this podcast because I knew that other women were searching just like I was for ways to thrive and feel fulfilled, even without the children that we dreamed of. On this playlist, I'm sharing a few of my favorite episodes just to help you get started, but I also encourage you to dive in to any of the others that might resonate with you. Each week I release about a 10 or 15 minute episode to offer support, acknowledgement, and real life strategies to help you recognize that you are not alone.

Together, we'll look for opportunities to move forward and redefine what a fulfilling life can look like, even though it turned out so differently than you imagined.

If you want to learn more about my coaching practice and the Thrive After Infertility Mastermind, you can visit my website, lanamanikowski. com. And if you're in the Chicago area, I'd love for you to join my meetup group. We have an awesome group of women who are childless and childfree, We get together every so often and connect, share, and support each other.

And if you find yourself wanting to visit the Chicago area on Mother's Day weekend, I would love for you to join me at the Other's Day Brunch, an annual event that has gotten national media attention, and it's a celebration I host every year the day before Mother's Day to create connection and awareness and unity for women who don't have children at a time that feels so hard.

All right, so let's dive in.

Welcome to Episode 147 of The “So Now What?” Podcast with Lana Manikowski. In this special episode, Lana dives deep into the often-overlooked journey that follows fertility treatments for women who leave without a child. Whether you’re a fertility doctor, clinic staff, mental health provider, or a woman navigating life after infertility, this episode highlights the unmet needs and real stories from women who feel unseen after treatment ends.

Highlights:

Free Masterclass on Handling the Holidays

Join Lana’s free MasterClass on November 20 at 6 p.m. CST to learn how to manage holiday gatherings and traditions when childless after infertility. In this live class, you’ll gain strategies for building new traditions, handling family dynamics, and creating a plan for holiday celebrations. Register here to reserve your spot!

When Treatment Ends: What Childless Women Really Want

Lana addresses the gap in support often felt after IVF and fertility treatments conclude. Without a plan or follow-up, patients are left to navigate grief, mental health challenges, and marital and social dynamics alone. Lana shares her recent discussions at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Congress, where she raised awareness about the importance of continued support for patients who leave treatment without a child.

Real Voices from Infertiole, Childless, Women Who Needed More

Lana shares direct feedback from her community of listeners and followers. Hear heartfelt perspectives from women who longed for acknowledgment and empathy post-treatment, as well as a structured care plan including mental health resources, peer support networks, and follow-up care. These women are calling for a roadmap to help navigate the grief and redefine purpose after infertility.

Advocating for Better Resources when IVF Fails

Lana encourages women to advocate for their needs by requesting additional resources and post-treatment support from clinics and mental health professionals. To the fertility community, Lana calls for a more holistic approach, recognizing that when treatments end, the journey is far from over for many women. Support beyond the treatment room can bridge a painful void.

Why It Matters:

This episode sheds light on the immense need for a compassionate continuum of care when ferrility treatment ends without children. From practical resources to sensitive emotional support, The "So Now What?" Podcast aims to uplift women who feel left behind and encourages providers to extend the care they give their patients.

Links Mentioned:

-Register for the Free Holiday MasterClass here

- Free Resource: “The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless (…and how to respond)

Download this helpful guide to handle common questions and comments that can feel intrusive or hurtful: https://lanamanikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

For fertility doctors, fertility clinics, and anyone involved in patient care, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that the impact of fertility treatments extends far beyond conception. Understanding and addressing these needs can help more women feel seen and supported through their childless journeys.

Hello, beautiful! I’m so glad you’re here for this week’s episode of The "So Now What?" Podcast.

If you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll notice I’m in a different setting than usual. I’m currently in Denver, attending the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Annual Congress. This episode might sound a bit different, but it’s coming straight from the heart, and I think it’s one you’ll connect with if you’ve been searching for recognition after leaving IVF or fertility treatments without the child you dreamed of.

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about reuniting with my reproductive endocrinologist after six years of wondering what I’d say if we ever crossed paths again. This was the doctor who, back in 2018, told me my only frozen embryo wasn’t viable for implantation. It was a moment that shifted everything for me and my journey to motherhood. If you’ve ever felt like you were left to figure out life on your own after fertility treatments, this episode is for you.

I talk about what it was like to finally speak with him face-to-face and express gratitude for his efforts, even though the outcome wasn’t what I’d hoped for. It was also an opportunity to tell him how I’ve moved forward—leaving my corporate career, becoming a life coach, and now dedicating myself to helping women like you who are navigating life after IVF.

As you listen, I want you to think about what you would say if you ever had the chance to speak to your own Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) or fertility team again.

What would you want them to know about where you are today? Whether or not you ever get that chance, it’s important to acknowledge yourself for how far you’ve come and the life you’re creating, even though it looks different than what you envisioned.

After the episode, I encourage you to take a few minutes to write down what your conversation would look like. It’s a powerful exercise in recognizing your strength, resilience, and everything you’ve achieved since your fertility journey ended. And if you’re still feeling unsure about what’s next, I’m here to help.

Book a free Thrive Call with me, and together, we’ll create a plan for how you can move forward feeling fulfilled, even without the children you hoped for. It’s time to thrive again, and I’m here to walk that path with you.

Key Takeaways:

• You’re not alone in feeling left behind after fertility treatments. It’s a common experience to feel lost without the support and guidance you once had.

• Think about what closure looks like for you. Even if you never speak to your RE again, you can still acknowledge what you’ve accomplished since that part of your life ended.

• Your story is yours to create. The narrative around living without children doesn’t have to be one of loss or sadness. You have the power to rewrite your story into something beautiful and fulfilling.

Resources:

• YouTube: Watch this week’s podcast on Youtube. Find my YouTube channel here.

• Free Download: The Top 27 Things People Say When You’re Childless and How to Respond. Grab your free copy at https://LanaManikowski.com/thingspeoplesay

• Thrive Call: Ready to create a plan for thriving without the children you dreamed of? Schedule a free Thrive Call with me at https://LanaManikowski.com/thrivecall

Thank you for tuning in this week. Remember, it’s never too late to discover your meaning and create a life that feels whole, even if motherhood wasn’t part of your story. I’m so proud of you for showing up and doing the work to live life on your terms.

Until next week, take care, and know that I see you, I celebrate you, and I love you.